Holmium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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holmium
[ˈhɔː.mi.əm ]
Definition
chemical element
Holmium is a rare-earth element with the symbol Ho and atomic number 67. It is part of the lanthanide series and is known for its magnetic properties. Holmium is used in various applications, including nuclear reactors and certain types of lasers.
Synonyms
Ho.
Examples of usage
- Holmium is often used in magnetic devices.
- The researcher studied the properties of holmium.
- Holmium laser is effective for certain medical procedures.
Translations
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Origin of 'holmium'
The name 'holmium' is derived from Holmia, the Latin name for Stockholm, Sweden. It was discovered in 1878 by the Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve and is one of the several elements that were isolated from the mineral gadolinite. The element was extracted during attempts to separate it from other rare earth elements and was initially characterized for its unusual magnetic properties. Holmium is one of the least abundant rare earth elements, and its compounds are primarily employed in materials science and various high-tech applications. Due to its high atomic number and unique properties, holmium has captured the interest of scientists in the fields of chemistry and physics.